Republic Act No. 6713: Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards

Vocabulary based flashcards identifying key terms, timelines, and organizational roles defined in Republic Act No. 6713.

Republic Act No. 6713

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Public Office

Considered a public trust according to RA 6713.

Civil Service Commission

The government agency primarily responsible for promoting high standards of ethics in public service under RA 6713.

Government

Includes the national government, local government, and government-owned or controlled corporations.

Public Official

Includes elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police personnel.

Gift

Refers to any thing or right given gratuitously and accepted.

Loan

Includes simple loans, commodatum, guarantees, and financing arrangements.

Substantial Stockholder

One who owns enough shares of stock to elect a director.

Family

Includes the spouse and unmarried children below $18$ years old.

Conflict of Interest

Exists when a public official owns a private business affected by official duties or has a material interest in a corporation requiring office approval.

Divestment

The act of selling or transferring ownership to remove a conflict of interest.

Relatives

Persons related within the fourth civil degree, including bilas, inso, and balae.

Commitment to Public Interest

The principle that public interest should always prevail over personal interest.

Professionalism

The norm requiring public officials to perform duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill.

Political Neutrality

The norm of rendering service without unfair discrimination regardless of political affiliation.

Responsiveness to the Public

Includes providing prompt, courteous, and adequate service and avoiding red tape.

Nationalism and Patriotism

Requirements for public officials to be loyal to the Republic and defend Philippine sovereignty.

Commitment to Democracy

Includes upholding civilian authority over the military and loyalty to the Constitution.

Simple Living

The requirement for public officials and their families to lead modest lives appropriate to their position and income.

Response Time for Public Communication

Public officials must respond to letters, telegrams, or other communications from the public within $15$ working days.

Annual Performance Report

A report submitted by heads of government offices within $45$ working days after the end of the year, which is available to the public.

Signatory Limit

Official documents should contain not more than $3$ signatories as far as practicable.

Next-in-rank/Officer-in-charge

Those authorized to sign official documents in the absence of authorized signatories.

Committee on Awards

The body co-chaired by the Ombudsman and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to promote ethical standards.

Confidential Information

Data acquired through office that shall not be used to further private interests or prejudice the public interest.

Nominal Value

The standard for foreign gifts that are permissible as marks of courtesy or souvenirs.

SALN

Stands for Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Assumption of Office SALN Filing

A newly appointed public official must file their SALN within $30$ days after assumption of office.

Annual SALN Deadline

Public officials and employees must file their SALN every year on or before April $30$.

Separation from Service SALN Filing

A public official must file their SALN within $30$ days upon separation from service.

Senate SALN Depository

The Secretary of the Senate is responsible for the SALNs filed by Senators.

House of Representatives SALN Depository

The Secretary of the House of Representatives is responsible for the SALNs filed by its members.

Supreme Court SALN Depository

The Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court is responsible for the SALNs filed by Supreme Court Justices.

Judges SALN Depository

The Court Administrator is responsible for the SALNs filed by Judges.

Regional and Local SALN Depository

The Deputy Ombudsman in their respective regions.

SALN Availability Period

Statements shall be available to the public for a period of $10$ years.

Reproduction and Certification Fee

The fee required for any person requesting a copy of a SALN.

Resignation from Private Business

Must occur within $30$ days from assumption of office if a conflict of interest arises.

Divestment Period

The public official must divest himself of shareholdings or interests within $60$ days from assumption of office if a conflict arises.

Justness and Sincerity

The norm requiring public officials to respect the rights of others and refrain from acts contrary to law, morals, or public interest.